View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why do the village women think Kunthi is quieter and more reserved than the rest of the women?
(a) Kunthi is ashamed of her husband.
(b) Kunthi misses her family.
(c) Kunthi doesn't approve of the other women.
(d) Kunthi married beneath her.

2. Nathan hangs a garland of mango leaves across the doorway to welcome Rukmani to her new house. What do the mango leaves symbolize?
(a) Long life and happiness.
(b) Happiness and good fortune.
(c) Wealth and long life.
(d) Good fortune and many children.

3. Why does Kenny not remain in the village for long periods of time?
(a) He cannot stand the poverty.
(b) His family needs him.
(c) He works for the government.
(d) The other villages require his services as well.

4. Right after the monsoons end, Rukmani and Nathan venture into town to purchase rice for the family. Why do they return empty handed?
(a) They don't bring enough money with them.
(b) The stores and shops are all closed.
(c) The store owners refuse to sell to them.
(d) There is no rice in the land.

5. As the story opens, what is Rukmani dreaming of?
(a) Seeing her new grandchildren.
(b) Nathan being with her.
(c) Moving back to the city.
(d) Ira's upcoming wedding.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the beginning of Chapter 5, what does Kenny do for the first time?

2. When the villagers learn that Rukmani can write, there are mixed reactions. Which one of the villagers marvels at Rukmani's writing skill?

3. What name do Rukmani and Nathan give to their son?

4. Who teaches Rukmani to read and write?

5. How long does it take the construction workers to build the new establishment in Nathan's village?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Rukmani disappointed when she sees her first-born child?

2. How does Rukmani learn that there is trouble at the tannery?

3. At the end of the strike's first week, what do the tannery officials announce?

4. What advice does Kali give to Nathan and Rukmani regarding Ira?

5. Chapter 3 opens with the village women insisting Rukmani not worry about something. What is she worried about and why?

6. In the early days of their marriage, Rukmani and Nathan feel blessed. Why?

7. What realization does Rukmani find ironic as she mourns for Old Granny?

8. Rukmani sells her vegetables to a Muslim woman. What is Rukmani's opinion of the Muslim women and their coverings?

9. At the beginning of Chapter 28, Rukmani is very excited. Why?

10. When the men start building the tannery, they seem pleased to have drawn such a loud crowd. How does the overseer in particular behave?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample